Paulo Almeida

Professional Bodybuilder

Paulo Almeida is a bodybuilder born and raised in Canada who competes in the IFBB Pro league. He rose to fame under the nickname “The Freak,” which he earned thanks to his outstanding physique. Paulo’s arms, which are among the biggest and most conditioned in the world, are his most impressive body part.

Paulo’s bodybuilding career began around the year of 2012. This is when he partook in his first major competition, the Canadian Nationals, taking home 10th place. From that year onwards, Paulo kept improving his physique, along with his results on the bodybuilding stage.

Eventually, in 2015, he took home the Canadian Nationals title, which granted him the entrance to the elite IFBB Pro circuit. From there, Paulo continued to rise within the bodybuilding industry – by 2017, he already had over 10 Pro contests under his belt, many of which saw him place highly.

With his increasing list of achievements in bodybuilding, along with a strong online presence, “The Freak” looks set to become one of the household names of the bodybuilding industry.

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Athlete Statistics

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Accomplishments

 

2017

• Muscle Mayhem Pro, IFBB Open Men’s Bodybuilding, 7th Place
• Toronto Pro, IFBB Open Men’s Bodybuilding, 4th place

2016

• Arnold Classic Asia, IFBB Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 11th place
• Vancouver Pro, IFBB Pro Bodybuilding, 6th place
• Wings of Strength Chicago Pro, IFBB Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 10th place
• Toronto Pro, IFBB Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 8th place
• BodyPower Pro, IFBB Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 5th place

2015

• Wings of Strength Texas, IFBB Pro Men Bodybuilding, 10th place
• IFBB Tampa Pro, IFBB Pro Men’s Bodybuilding, 11st place
• Vancouver Pro, IFBB Pro Bodybuilding, 5th place
• Canadian National Championships (Edmonton), Super Heavyweight and Overalls, 1st place – Pro Card Earned

2013

• Canadian National Championships, Super Heavyweight Men’s Bodybuilding, 9th place

2012

• Canadian National Championships, Super Heavyweight Men’s Bodybuilding, 10th place

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Paulo Almeida (right) with a deceased bodybuilding icon and his good friend, Rich Piana (left).

Training

Paulo’s nickname “The Freak” didn’t come only as a result of his huge and muscular physique. In fact, another reason he earned this nickname was his ‘hardcore’ training style. Paulo trains as heavy, and as hard as he can, every time he goes to the gym.

However, Paulo doesn’t only focus on how heavy the weights are. He also ensures to fully activate his muscles by using the “mind-muscle connection.” By combining heavy weight training with a correct form, Paulo achieves the best possible results in the gym.

When it comes to rest days, Paulo takes one day off per week when preparing for a contest, and two days off when in the ‘off-season.’

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Paulo Almeida’s bodybuilding transformation.

“My main tip I can give to any trainees looking to grow is you have to give the body a reason to grow. Always push your self. Try to lift more either in reps or weight. You need to shock the body. Lift heavy weights with good form and eat lots of good food.”

Nutrition

Paulo usually eats healthy and clean foods year-round. This helps him stay lean, making his contest preparations easier.

However, one thing that significantly changes in Paulo’s diet during ‘in-season’ is his macros. Throughout this period, Paulo greatly reduces his carbs, and increases proteins. This enables him to burn fat and preserve muscle at the same time.

For supplementation, Paulo sticks to the basics – taking protein powder, BCAAs, and occasionally a multivitamin.

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What we can learn from Paulo Almeida

Gaining the interest for lifting during high school, Paulo Almeida has been rising to the top ever since he picked up the weights for the first time. Throughout the years of competing in bodybuilding, he’s grown his status to become a highly respected athlete within the industry.

His story is an example that with enough dedication, commitment, and perseverance, anything is possible.